When Listi initially told me about her desire to go on a mission to describe myself as 'floored' wouldn't quite give the correct description. As a little girl I used to tell anyone who would listen that I couldn't wait to be a LDS Missionary, and especially hoped to get a call to Salt Lake City. I can't think of a single time I heard Listi express that. But that's how the Spirit works- we are all called in unique and important ways, individual to us, even if it comes as a surprise.  

    Anyways, so she announced it, we prepped for a letter opening and anxiously awaited to see how it would unfold. The Arizona Tucson Mission, English speaking, leaving in 8 weeks. Everyone kicked it into high gear to soak in as much of her as possible. Then when our time was spent, Mama and I flew with her to the Missionary Training Center. As we soaring across the skies heading home without her I said, "Can you believe that we are actually leaving her on the other side of the country by herself?" Mama snapped back, "Hush, I can't think about it right now."

    Suddenly Monday was a treasured day as we'd look forward to emails and pictures from her. We'd get the privilege of following along with her new friends' conversion stories, we'd gasp and giggle when she old us about crazy situations she put herself in (falling off her bike or skinning a squirrel, for starters). From the outside looking in, I could see so much growth in her as a young adult. Her testimony shined through. Once, a family member told me that they were enjoying the world that they had never seen through my eyes- I was kind of taken aback. After all, how can you do that without seeing it for yourself? But through Listi's Missionary journey it finally clicked. I realized that as I told everyone I knew that I was living vicariously through my sweet sister, she was fulfilling a dream for the both of us. (My life is a series of 'it comes full-circle.')

    After her final phone call home, Christmas 2015, February 17th came about faster than I thought it would. 18 months had truly ran on by without our realizing. Her hair had grew back, her knowledge of the Gospel had increased tenfold and emotions were everywhere. She wanted to be home, but she also didn't. I understand that to a degree; she told me, "I finally got put on the path to my divine potential." As someone who loves her, my heart could have burst with sheer pride. 

    But that specific chapter of hers, though as incredible as it was, had to come to an end; she had to come home. Of course, she was happy about coming home too! She knew she had a small legion of loved ones waiting to greet her. She packed everything of hers up, for the final time, and caught a plane heading for Georgia. While she was en route everyone was a little panicky- not out of fear of an accident but nervous beyond belief! We arrived at the airport over 2 hours early, just in case ;) There was so many of us, and almost everyone held a homemade sign, that people began to ask what the big deal was- We've spent an incredibly long and hard 18 months with minimal contact from a 20 year old; we missed holidays, her birthday and the simple daily things in her life. She did a fantastic thing, but we want to see her! Right now!

    When she came out of that terminal it was so significant- she was a Returned Missionary. She had preached the Gospel in a car, on a bike, on foot, in homes, outside, in the blazing hot sun and with the slightest touch of snow. She shared bedrooms with girls she had never before met, in cities she had never visited, in the best of times and worst of times. She sacrificed weddings, births, special events, going to school, going on dates and all in between. She battled homesickness, depression, ADHD and came out victorious. She used the hardest 18 months of her life to better the lives of other people. It's impossible for me to reiterate what an example she set for me by taking on this difficult task and doing a bang up job. 

    Her homecoming was a glorious day for out family. Not a single person could contain their excitement. Our first Sister Missionary was already back home to us! We all united, yet again, for someone we admire. And boy oh boy do we love her!

August is Upon Us

    For whatever we reason lately, I have been experiencing a phenomenon unknown to my physical body- I fall asleep at a late hour and yet arise at precisely 8:30 every morning. This weekend I imagined sleeping in to the max, but not even close. So here I am. 

    Tomorrow Mama, Listi and I leave for Salt Lake City! Since I have been a little girl I have dreamed of this place, the basic Mormon central. For it to be a reality is almost mind- boggling. We are making what could have easily been a lengthy sight-seeing trip into a jam packed 2 night trip. Actually, now that I know Listi will officially be operating on a LDS Missionary mode (curfew, attire, et cetera) a small trip is much more appropriate! Tonight she will be set apart as a sister missionary, wow! 

    I had a cousin, Ashlee, take a few photos of Listi in her missionary clothes to keep as memorabilia. A huge thank you to her for spending part of her day taking these! The ones I have seen look so cute! Tucson has no idea that they'll be getting such a pretty, sassy and Southern missionary. I know they are going to love her because she is so nuts. Seriously she is such a tomboy, people in the training center will probably be amazed by her.

    Speaking of, I keep getting the giggles knowing the moment Listi enters the MTC she will be getting the "dork dot." Graham said that basically all missionaries on their first day get a little sticker in case they need assistance getting around the place. I mean really, I need to see this! I know she will capture all 12 days (apparently that is the new time-frame for missionaries speaking their native tongue) with tons of pictures.

    So the little girl is going to have her own blog! If anyone gets curious about what that little rat is up to, our family will be posting her letters home for all to see. Her blog address is simple! 

Www.listimizell.blogspot.com

    It's so odd to think that my intermediate family won't be together again for a few years. This mission, man, it feels me with joy, dread, uneasiness, gratitude and adrenalin all in one moment. I hope these next 18 months fly by for us, but maintain a lengthy presence in her life. I want to be selfish, but I know she is truly doing a greater good. :)

    In other news, I'm going to be an aunt! A little sidekick to spoil! Super huge congrats to Jared and Kipin on their expectant bundle. Graham's family hasn't had a sweet baby in bit so I'll say it was perfectly timed. I figure I'm just going to keep a extravagant stack of Aunt and Uncle onesies at our house in case baby comes over to play! (See example below.)

Seriously, I am so thrilled at how our families have multiplied during the past 3 years we have known each other... I truly love our families so much! We have the most loving, kind, fun people in our clan. I completely wear out the term 'blessed' but when you know, you know. 

    Well please think of us tomorrow as we board where I'll be our stressed- out coordinator and non- doomsday cheerleader whispering "Planes really are safe!" every three minutes. 

    

Listi's Missionary Opening, part 2

    Yesterday I began writing about the Missionary Opening party I threw in honor of my sister, unfortunately there was so much that I didn't want to skip over, I decided to split it. (FYI, part 1 can be found here!) As Listi began to prepare to open her letter, I asked an elder if he would record our family's reaction to it. I am so glad I did for two reasons:
 1) It's special to see how happy everyone was!
2) Listi's camera that I was recording with cut off mid-letter!
 So if you want to hear the entirety of the mission call letter, click below.

(Here is our collective freeze frame reaction!) 

    Truthfully, we were all surprised about Arizona. I certainly didn't see it coming! I am grateful that it's the lone Western state I've visited so that I can offer advice about it, and can assure her that she will love it. The majority of my family was also grateful for her staying Stateside, just because of safety reasons. With the actual letter opening but aside, it was time to see who won our guessing game!

Although this map holds a dear place in my heart, our international guesses were out!

    And the winners were... Mama and Aunt Tracey! Mama picked Phoenix, while Tracey selected Flagstaff. Both received 10$ gift cards for their prize.

    Our complimentary gift bags were handed out. (Some won gift cards, but most had silly items.)

   Then it was time to cute the cake, after Listi put her flag into the Tuscon area to show everyone her location.  I need to offer a free plug to Holt's Bakery up in Douglas for this delicious, adorable cake, it was so affordable!

    One of our biggest hits throughout the evening was the instant camera photo line we created. Every family was asked to gather up with Listi in tow to photograph. I was surprised by how popular it became, but isn't it the sweetest? Afterwards, Listi was distraught that I made her pose near every major landmark for pictures, oh well ;)

 

    Throughout the remainder of the time, our family just kicked back as they ate. We all laughed, hugged and had such a great time. Thanks for everyone who came + made it special for my sister.

"A is for Arizona"

Seriously, one of the best moments of my life. My heart was/is swelling with pride. I love ya, Sister Mizell.

Listi's Missionary Opening

    Back in April, roughly 10 days after her 19th birthday, Listi announced to her immediate family that she wanted to serve. Luckily, my mama caught my reaction on camera! It's below if you care to see an ugly cry followed by sheer elation.

    As I've voiced several times, I've just been so happy about this particular decision, so much that I told her I would throw her a letter-opening party for our immediate family and very few close friends. (For all my non-LDS peeps, it's a letter that contains all the information about her mission...Dates, places, language, etc.) 

    I'm really going to try my best not to throw another party for quite some time because I simply can't handle it. My mind becomes wrapped around my perfect picture of how it should be, I find myself unable to focus on other tasks because of my one-track mind. I began by brainstorming on Pinterest, always handy, to help hone in my focus: Since the letter could send her anywhere in the world, I decided to pick up a rustic, global theme (seems kind of weird voicing it, but in my mind it made so much sense).To get prepared for this event I bought, crafted and thrifted (to the extreme) these past few months in order to gather the supplies needed for a perfect party. 

   June 7th was the date every close family member was invited to attend the party. I sent out a few exclusive invites. (I'm just so ridicules sometimes, I have to fry my own jaws.)

    I could hardly stand it as the day drew closer, I was more excited than my sister. Speaking of, she actually received her letter on the 6th which meant she had to carry it around for an entire day without opening it! But she asked for a Saturday ;)

    I made her wait elsewhere as I decorated, my family delivered food and until everyone had crowded around. As everyone assisted me to throw together a wonderful time, I can not express how much it meant to me.

    Letting her know how loved she is meant the most to me!

    After waiting over 24 hours after receiving her letter, this girl was bursting at the seams to find out her destination.

 I gave a very short, lip- quivering intro, "We don't care where you go! Anywhere will be blessed to have you!" And then..